On a Thursday afternoon, students take turns pulling blocks from a Jenga tower in one classroom while those in another practice their Japanese language skills. These are two of the nine new student clubs booming in popularity at Summit Academy – Parma.
The new offerings were introduced as a response to student interest. “We used student surveys from last year to help choose which clubs we would be having this year,” explains Principal Alexandra Morris.
Answering the call of its seventh-12th graders, the school curated a creative collection of clubs. Embedded into the school day, the Tuesday and Thursday clubs include: Gaming (board, card and other format games); Martial Arts; Book Nook (book club), Zen Den and Mindfulness, both of which focus on social emotional learning and coping strategies with an art flair; Dungeons and Dragons, choir, Japanese language and Student Advisory.
“The students are very excited to have opportunities to socialize and learn more about their interests during the school day,” says Morris.
Senior Yomar David and junior Dominic Seifer sing the praises of the Martial Arts Club, led by Shihan David Chance. The students, like others at the school, opted to double up on their martial arts training, taking advantage of the elective club in addition to their curriculum-based therapeutic martial arts class.
“Summit Academy gives me an opportunity to compete,” says Seifer, who won two gold medals and one silver medal at Summit’s spring therapeutic martial arts tournament in Navarre.
Although not all of the Martial Arts Club members compete, the training they receive will help them in future endeavors, says Chance, who also serves as the school’s therapeutic martial arts teacher.
“We are keeping the same values as the Therapeutic Martial Arts program that is taught in school, but with a little more focus towards competition,” he explains.
David, a senior-ranking martial arts student and sensei assistant, says the self-defense techniques taught in the club, combined with the opportunity to funnel energy positively, make the offering a must. “I can cooperate with peers and have fun and get a lot of energy out, and also learn how to defend myself,” he says.
Chance points out, however, “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.”
Seifer says that having a role model leading the club makes it even more appealing. “He’s respectful but understanding that we are students. He’s genuinely a good individual. He pushes us to our limits but still gives us room to grow,” Seifer says, describing Chance.
Junior Christian Corrao balances his participation between the Martial Arts and Zen Den clubs. In the Zen Den, he says, a peaceful environment, calming music, a walk outside in nature and simply time alone or to talk with a friend or teacher provide avenues to regroup and recharge. Likewise, freshman Devin Medley says, in the Zen Den, students find retreat and a place of understanding thanks to their club advisor, Art Teacher Erin Bailey. “She understands where we are coming from,” Medley says.
Students in the Zen Den practice mindfulness, light breathwork and activities such as nature scavenger hunts, mandala research and coloring and chalk art.
“High school can be a stressful environment, and I wanted to offer the opportunity for students to decompress after their day and include stress-management techniques that they can use now and take with them for future use,” says Bailey. “The students have been receptive to the club, and I hope this offers a little peace to end their day.”
In another classroom, members of the Student Advisory Club, led by science teacher Ryan Flanagan and Community Resource Coordinator Katie Hindersman, are honing career skills while raising funds for field trips. Students take on roles such as treasurer, media and art content creation and notetaking. A snack cart stocked with treats and beverages for students and staff generates a fair share of the club’s raised funds. Junior Jessica DiDonato, who maintains the club’s financial records, says she is applying her cash-counting skills, acquired at her restaurant job, to her responsibilities as a Student Advisory Club member.
Meanwhile, down the hall in the dojo, a proud cohort of students is ready to unveil their newly adopted club logo. Chance displays a Summit Academy-modified version of the logo he designed for the U.S. Jiu Jitsu Team of which he was a member 20 years ago.
“It represents everything we do, striking, throwing, grappling,” Chance explains, noting how martial arts, like the other clubs, allow students to shine as individuals.
“Although we are working as a team, we are still individuals,” he says. “You win yourself.”
In the same vein, Summit Academy – Parma’s dynamic club selection represents a big win for the school community overall.